Not Medical/Legal Advice: The Toronto Star reported that codeine, an opiate, is widely available without a prescription in Canada.
Derived from opium, opioid drugs are very powerful products. They act by attaching to a specific "receptor" in the brain, spinal cord, and gastrointestinal tract. Opioids can change the way a person experiences pain.
Types of prescription opioid medications include:
morphine, which is often used before and after surgical procedures to alleviate severe pain
oxycodone, which is also often prescribed for moderate to severe pain
codeine, which comes in combination with acetaminophen or other non-opioid pain relief medications and is often prescribed for mild to moderate pain
hydrocodone, which comes in combination with acetaminophen or other non-opioid pain relief medications and is prescribed for moderate to moderately severe pain
If you take prescription medicine regularly you know it can be expensive, so much so that many patients may take dangerous steps to cut costs.
For common ailments like allergies, pain, and insomnia, trying an over-the-counter drug first can often be less expensive than prescription medication, and save you time and money by cutting down on doctor visits.
Find cheaper OTC remedies that may beat some expensive prescription medications at Consumer Reports.